Diagnostics

How to check motor starting current

How to check motor starting current

Starting current is important for the correct selection of protection and understanding the condition of the motor. Let's look athow to check the starting currentand what deviations mean.

What is starting current

At the moment of starting, the engine consumes a current 5-7 times more than the rated current, since the stationary rotor does not yet create a back-EMF. As acceleration progresses, the current drops to operating level.

How to measure

  1. Current clamp meters with a peak fixation function (Inrush).
  2. Measurement at the moment of starting at idle and under load.
  3. Comparison with the rated current from the nameplate.

What they are talking about deviations

ResultConclusion
5–7 times the nominalNormal
Time-long startOverload, weak network, broken rotor rods
Very high and sharpPossible jamming, short circuit

Why is this needed

Knowing the starting current allows you to correctly select machines, cables and starting equipment so that the protection does not trigger falsely. A slow start-up indicates problems that diagnostics reveals. To reduce the starting current, use a soft start or a frequency converter.

Is the engine difficult to start or knocks out the protection when starting in Tashkent? Elektromotors engineers will take measurements and select a solution - leave a request.

Need specialist help?

Contact Elektromotors engineers — we will help diagnose and repair your electric motor.

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